American Academy of Pediatrics OK's female genital mutilation

11/05/2010

The Western world continues to grow stranger and stranger as relativism takes hold. It seems the American Academyof Pediatrics has caved in to pressure over female genital mutilation. In a surprising move, the organisation is saying that a "ceremonial nick" or "pinprick' is preferable (aka OK) for girls from African or Asian cultures as a means of dissuading their parents from sending them overseas where more radical mutilation might take place under unsterile conditions. The cultural practice of female genital mutilation occurs mainly in predominantly Muslim areas of Africa and Asia- but also among Christian and animist groups.

Medical professionals are saying that it OK for them to do some harm to prevent greater harm. The idea seems to be based on a harm-minimisation approach - but read the article for yourself and make up your own mind.... Even if doctors no longer take the Hipprocatic oath ("First do no harm") the whole idea seems plain weird.